Amara is committed to positive long-term outcomes for children and families. We drive systemic change, promote healing, and advance racial and LGBTQIA+ equity by offering programs and services to families engaged with foster care and to adoptees and families, post-permanency.

At Amara, we believe that a supportive, equitable and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued, trusted, and nurtured, is key to shaping organizational culture and investing in underrepresented communities. Amara believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances our ability to fulfill our mission. We strongly invite candidates from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Amara has an opportunity for a Program Manager-Youth Development. The ideal candidate is passionate about Amara’s mission, vision, and values. Has strong interpersonal, operational, and administrative skills, enjoys working to improve processes and can engage with a variety of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

The Program Manager-Youth Development reports to the Chief Innovation Officer and will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of new programing and services for youth encountering, or at risk for encountering, the child welfare system as well as providing parenting support to foster, birth, kinship, and adoptive families who care for them.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Supervision and Management (50%)

• Oversee, support, and develop the program team, including recruitment and retention, hiring, orientation, supervision, evaluation, and promotion of staff in conjunction with Amara’s Human Resource Manager.
• Provide a warm, caring, and confident leadership style that supports a team providing direct services to youth and families.
• Implement program policies, priorities, and procedures consistent with best practice models for effective program implementation.
• Work with staff and build from the work of Amara’s DEI council to develop objective performance measures across the program, to ensure consistent, high-quality evaluation and goal setting for all employees.
• Support and directly oversee program staff including Amara’s Youth Development Specialist team.
• Provide opportunities for growth and development among staff.

Operational Management (25%)

• Lead Youth Development team to promote programming and recruit participants.
• Lead Youth Development team to implement program and iterate in response to on-going learning and feedback from youth and families.

• Work collaboratively with other program leaders to ensure impactful, efficient, and complementary services across Amara’s service array.
• In partnership with Associate Director of Program Impact and Evaluation, ensure appropriate data collection and reporting to evaluate program impact and efficacy.
• Identify, recommend, and implement program and process improvement in concert with team feedback/guidance.
• Participate in the development and monitoring of revenue and expense budget for Youth Development program. Ensure budgets remain on track, identifying and approving appropriate expenses and costs.
• Looks for methods to improve quality, efficiency, and productivity of program offerings while controlling or reducing costs.
• Demonstrated track record in developing, communicating, implementing, and adapting strategies in rapidly changing environments.

Strategic Leadership (15%)

• Regularly review and recommend changes in program services to meet client needs with emphasis on services for underserved populations.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with other service providers, agencies, and partners to ensure that children and families have excellent access to all needed services.
• As a member of the Program Leadership team, this position plays a key role in the development and ongoing promotion of Amara’s mission, vision, philosophy, and culture.
• Remain apprised of current trends, practices, and legislation through networking and publications to develop new programs to either meet changing needs in our community or to diversify our services.
• Build and coordinate partnerships with key community organizations and partners including government agencies, research institutions, schools, and other social welfare organizations.
• Participate in select internal and external collaborative efforts with key stakeholders/partners to advance systemic child welfare change.
• Assess program development and provide leadership in service expansion opportunities.

Communications (10%)

• Coordinate with Communications team on media content regarding issues related to youth development.  
• Represent Amara in community meetings, events, and partner and donor meetings.
• Serve on select internal and external committees.

• High School Diploma or GED and three years’ experience working directly with children and families required, OR Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services or a related field (or 2 years of completed coursework toward a bachelor’s degree) and two years’ experience working directly with children and families OR Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience working directly with children and families OR Master’s degree and 6 months of experience working directly with children and families. (A practicum may be considered as a substitute for one year of paid experience).
• 3+ years of combined leadership experience including program development, leadership development, contract management and financial management.
• 2+ years of experience in team facilitation and a proven track record of effective communications with internal and external partners.
• Project management experience with proven execution of accomplishing deliverables in a defined timeline.
• Broad knowledge of program areas, funders, and community partners.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and juggle priorities while meeting varying deadlines.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to lead group meetings.
• Ability to lead with initiative, discretion, maturity, flexibility, and independent judgment.
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the various cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and staff
• Demonstrated leadership in promoting the advancement and development of diversity, equity, and inclusion in oneself, staff, and within program development.
• Strong decision-making skills, including critical thinking skills. Demonstrated ability to think globally.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends to meet the scheduling needs of youth and families.
• Youth Development programming will take place in King and Pierce counties. Candidate must be able to travel frequently between these locations.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full time, 40+ hour per week position with a starting salary of $66,268-$75,816/year.  DOE. Amara offers a generous leave and benefits package including 10 company holidays, 4 personal days, sick leave, and 15 days of vacation per year. Competitive health, dental and vision insurance rates, a 401k with a company match, life, and disability insurance and a paid sabbatical. Amara supports a hybrid work environment with some flexibility to work from home. Occasional travel between our Pierce and King County offices will be required. 

Criminal Background Check

Amara conducts background checks appropriate to the contractual requirements of the position. A previous conviction will not necessarily bar individuals from employment at Amara. For specific requirements please feel free to contact the hiring manager or human resources.

Vaccination Requirement

Amara requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement is designed to prioritize the safety of the children and families we serve. Exemptions may be sought only for documented medical or religious accommodations.

To Apply

To express your interest in this position, please send your resume and a one-page cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you in Smart Recruiters.

Applications will be reviewed until position is filled.

Amara is an Equal Opportunity Employer